In the years since our vintage Fords were new, many items of convenience once optional have become standard equipment. Air conditioning, AM/FM stereo, tilt steering column, and even power windows have become standard features that have spoiled us rotten. Why can't we be spoiled in our vintage Fords?
Mustangs Plus spoils us plenty with the GlobalCruise system from Dakota Digital. Cruise control used to be a very complex, difficult-to-install feature with all sorts of doodads, vacuum servos, switches, and such. Mustangs Plus and Dakota Digital have made it easy with solid-state circuitry, simple instructions, and a compact design. You can have it installed in one afternoon.
Our subject vehicle is a '65 Mustang hardtop--a mild restomod equipped with a 289-2V engine, a C4 Cruise-O-Matic, Daily Driver air conditioning from Classic Auto Air, and a Kenwood sound system. There's room behind the dashboard for our GlobalCruise system. Mustangs Etc. of Van Nuys, California, is handling the installation.
Time To Accomplish: 6 Hours
Cost: Under $250, not including installation
Tools Required: Wrench set, 1/4-inch socket set, common & Phillips screwdrivers, drill and bits, wire crimpers, wire strippers, pliers, scribe, test light.
We're looking to Mustangs...
We're looking to Mustangs Etc. in Van Nuys, California, to install our GlobalCruise system from Mustangs Plus. First, disconnect the battery's negative cable. Next, we review the instructions before getting started. Dakota Digital makes it very clear where the module should be located and where it shouldn't.
First, remove the glovebox...
First, remove the glovebox insert (this is a '65 Mustang; your situation may be different).
For easy access, we're removing...
For easy access, we're removing the radio speaker grille and right-hand defroster duct.
Next, remove the instrument...
Next, remove the instrument cluster as shown. Don't forget to label each of the connections. Disconnect the speedometer cable.
The GlobalCruise module is...
The GlobalCruise module is tied to a bracket that can be attached at 9, 12, 3, and 6 o'clock. The control cable must always be up or to either side. Never mount the cable in the down position. It will adversely affect operation.
Position the module and bracket...
Position the module and bracket as shown, stay clear of the windshield-wiper linkage to the left, and scribe three marks where screws will be installed. Do not mount at the bottom of the cowl vent balloon. Drill three holes at the marks and mount the module using sheetmetal screws provided in the kit.
This is how Mustangs Etc....
This is how Mustangs Etc. mounted the module. Remember to check windshield-wiper-arm clearances with the wipers in the "up and on" position. Allow room for linkage movement.
Use the anti-chafe shown on...
Use the anti-chafe shown on the main harness. This protects the wiring from damage.
Power for the GlobalCruise...
Power for the GlobalCruise should come from the ignition switch. Tie the 10-amp fuse to the accessory post on the ignition switch using the eyelet in the kit.
GlobalCruise comes with a...
GlobalCruise comes with a turn-signal-switch arm like we find in late-model vehicles. Operation is fingertip quick. Screw the switch shaft into the turn-signal switch as shown, then route the lead and plug down the steering column into the dashboard. Plug the switch into the four-pin plug from the module. You may also route the lead down through the steering column, as long as it's away from the steering shaft or tilt mechanism.
Two leads go to the brake-light-switch...
Two leads go to the brake-light-switch wires. One is red. One is purple. The red lead with the 4-amp fuse goes to the lead that is "live" all the time. The purple lead goes to the brake-light side of the switch that is "live" only when the brake pedal is depressed. Use the connectors supplied with the kit.These leads "tell" the GlobalCruise when you've touched the brake pedal. This action disengages the cruise control.
At each of the butt connectors,...
At each of the butt connectors, Mustangs Etc. recommends using Heat Shrink to keep the connection solid and safe. Heat Shrink slips over the connection, then we use a heat gun. The heat causes the Heat Shrink to contract around the connector. It protects, and it looks terrific.
The vehicle speed sensor (VSS)...
The vehicle speed sensor (VSS) installs between the speedometer and cable. The red wire goes to the gray wire from the module. The black wire goes to ground. This component "tells" the GlobalCruise vehicle speed.
All GlobalCruise grounds (black...
All GlobalCruise grounds (black wires) should tie into the factory ground behind the instrument panel as shown.
The blue TACH lead is designed...
The blue TACH lead is designed to shut the GlobalCruise down if you accidentally put the shifter in Neutral (automatic transmission). This lead is tied into the neutral safety switch. Hook up the battery and turn the ignition switch on. Using a circuit tester, determine which lead is "live" when the shifter is in Park or Neutral. Should the shifter be bumped into Neutral, GlobalCruise shuts down, which keeps the engine from over-revving. Feed the throttle cable through the same grommet the TACH lead comes through.
For vintage Fords with throttle...
For vintage Fords with throttle linkages (not cables), tie this chain and cable to the throttle as shown. You can probably do the same thing with a cable linkage.
Mustangs Etc. has taken the...
Mustangs Etc. has taken the chrome bracket, supplied with the kit, and modified it for installation as shown. The GlobalCruise throttle cable mounts in the bracket via a plastic retainer.
The GlobalCruise cable is...
The GlobalCruise cable is tied to the throttle via a chain and cable. Keep the chain and cable slack to some degree. Carefully road-test the vehicle and make adjustments.
GlobalCruise Wiring Diagram
This is the wiring diagram included in the GlobalCruise kit from Mustangs Plus.
Convenience Is Near
Look how easy it can be to have cruise control in your vintage Ford. Everything is here to make short work of your installation. The control module is fully integrated. No vacuum servos and obtrusive engine compartment bolt-ons. All of these parts go behind the dashboard. You turn it on and off via the turn-signal-lever switch that screws right into your Ford's turn-signal switch. The module installs anywhere under the dash.
Before installation, you'll...
Before installation, you'll need to program the GlobalCruise to your application. Inside the module, behind a rubber plug, are the switch settings that need your attention before safe operation. There is Sensitivity, Pulses, Engine Setup Timer, Variablem Speed Sensor source, Transmission type, and Control Switch. Carefully read the instructions and set up the unit accordingly.
The twelve (12) programming...
The twelve (12) programming switches are located under the Natural Color rubber grommet on top of the Cruise Module.
This is the speed sensor,...
This is the speed sensor, which goes between the speedometer and cable. This piece is a signal generator that "tells" the GlobalCruise module your vehicle speed.
GlobalCruise is protected...
GlobalCruise is protected by two fuses. One is 10 amps (main power). The other is 4 amps (brake-light switch).